Archive · 22 Dec 2025
BJP Files PIL for Ayushman Bharat in Bengal
A leader from the BJP party in West Bengal has asked the court to make the central government's health insurance plan, Ayushman Bharat, available in the state.
The state government has its own health plan called Swasthya Sathi and doesn't want Ayushman Bharat.
The BJP leader says this is unfair because many people, especially those who are not well-off, could have benefited from Ayushman Bharat.
The court has agreed to hear the case this week.
The central government says Ayushman Bharat can be used anywhere in India, but the state government says it has too many rules.
The BJP leader thinks these issues can be solved through talks between the state and central governments.
BJP's Samik Bhattacharya filed a PIL in Calcutta High Court demanding Ayushman Bharat implementation in West Bengal.
West Bengal government opposes Ayushman Bharat, citing restrictions, and promotes its own Swasthya Sathi scheme.
Calcutta High Court admitted the petition, with a hearing scheduled for this week.
Bhattacharya argues that marginalized communities in West Bengal were deprived of benefits due to the state's opposition.
Union government contends that Ayushman Bharat is available nationwide, unlike Swasthya Sathi.
- Who
- Samik Bhattacharya, State BJP president in West Bengal and Rajya Sabha member
- What
- Filed a PIL demanding implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme in West Bengal
- When
- Monday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Calcutta High Court
- Why
- To benefit marginalized communities who were deprived of the scheme's benefits
- Petitioner
- Samik Bhattacharya
- Court
- Calcutta High Court
- Scheme in Question
- Ayushman Bharat
- State Scheme
- Swasthya Sathi
- Hearing Status
- Admitted, to be heard this week
- State Government's Stance
- Opposes Ayushman Bharat due to restrictions
- Union Government's Argument
- Ayushman Bharat is available nationwide, unlike Swasthya Sathi